Originally Posted by binx

i appreciate everyone's replies so much. it helps with the sense of isolation that has become so overwhelming to me.

tinglytoes: i appreciate your insight into some of the more profound aspects of dealing with illness. i have indeed located a counselor who is very focused on mindfulness and has been helping me to cope with what's going on in my life. i had to find someone since, as you indicated, my husband has been on the receiving end of so much of my stress, on top of dealing with his own concerns about me. as supportive and wonderful as he is, it was critical that i have another outlet to spare him. you have a very wonderful outlook, and i think it is important to maintain that to survive. i am also scheduled to meet with a nutritional specialist next week who can hopefully give me some feedback as to modify my diet to better cope with my physical symptoms as well. it can only help at this point.

pabb: i agree--it does seem like my symptoms presented as a result of an injury of some kind, but the only thing i had done up to that point was care for my then 3-year-old. in addition to the brain and c-spine MRIs, i also had a CT scan and later an MRA to check for cranial vascular abnormalities as well. everything has come back normal with the exception of my cervical disc bulges and herniation. after doing a bit more research, i do have many of the symptoms of chiari malformation. in fact, that is the only diagnosis that actually seems to fit. i have seen 3 neurosurgeons and a neurologist--in your opinion, is it possible that all of them along with the radiologist who interpreted my scans missed it? if so, i will try to find another dr. who is a chiari specialist as you suggested.

thanks again.

it's a relief to have found this forum.